In a world that seems upside down can we really rest knowing that God is in control? By Pastor Eric Toleafoa of Seventh-day Adventist Church.

In times of uncertainty, it is easy to feel as if life is out of control, for it feels that the world itself is spiraling. As anxiety rises, we tend to grab anything that we can cling to, but so often find those things let us down.

Often, we hear people use the phrase ‘God is in control’ when times become difficult, confusing or life changing. The sense that God is in control gives real relief and comfort when you, truly believe it. The reality is most times, it is not easy to align your heart to a place of surrender and trust.

So, in a world that seems upside down can we really rest knowing that God is in control?

In Luke 12:22-26 Jesus had this to say to His disciples, “…Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?”

Luke reminds us that God is in control despite the storms, change in seasons, or life’s question marks.

If God ensures the birds are accounted for, fed, and given refuge then He most definitely will have our backs. It is evident that He is in control with the earth continuing to do what it was purposed to do without our permission. The sun rises and sets each day, the grass grows up through the ground, the change from summer to winter without any input from mankind.

When you reflect on these things knowing that God is still at work in the background this gives us hope for the future that He will guide His people through times of uncertainty. We can certainly trust that the validity of the Words of Christ endures even today.

So, in a world that seems upside down can we really rest knowing that God is in control?

Though God is in control; however, He is not controlling. When God created man, He made humankind with the freedom of choice, meaning humans are not puppets controlled by the Creator.

While God is not in control of man, He takes His children through journeys in which they will be tested, molded, and experience growth. It is not through manipulation or oppression, but it is through the love of a Father who longs to see transformation in all of His children.

In the story of Jonah. God asked Jonah to travel to Nineveh to warn them to change their sinful ways or face consequences. Jonah ran in fear and refused at first, yet God was not controlling (puppeteering) him to go straight to Nineveh to fulfill His wishes.

Instead, God allowed Jonah to have free will to run, but He loved Him enough to help Jonah grow through the process. As he ran, he found himself literally in the belly of a huge fish, and there he had time to contemplate and grow into the realisation that the right path to take would be following the call of God.

We may not always understand the ways of God or the process, but it is essential that we trust Him in the journey.

So, in a world that seems upside down. Can we really rest knowing that God is in control?

Much of man’s desire is to have control, even of his or her future, but in reality, only God knows the future. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is unchanging and He is already in the future. He is the Alpha and the Omega. The beginning and the end. Because He has been faithful in the past through the fulfillment of promises we can depend on Him in the days and years to come.

Revelation also shares the assurance that the end is already written, good wins over evil. The enemy will finally be defeated, and the sovereignty of God will reign forever.

Even in a world that is turned upside down we can confidently say that God is in control because the trustworthy God of the Bible is still a promise keeper today, and He will not change as He faithfully leads His people forward, yes, even during these times of uncertainty.

Keep safe and have an enjoyable weekend experience with families and friends!